antique

I am about to purchase a new 2013 ES350. After calling dealers from NY to Florida a dealer has come up with the color and option package I wanted but said that it also has side molding and rear spoiler. The spoiler I can live with, but never having seen side molding I would not want car if the molding has any chrome (ugh) strip in it. Note: I know some after-market molding strips are chromed, but specifically I am wondering about the Lexus installed variety.

Q. Will molding be same color as rest of car without strip?? That I can live with.

Baring any reply I am going to ask dealer to e-mail a picture of car tomorrow before I put a deposit on it, although I suspect that the car is not on his lot.

Any help will be appreciated.

elexusparts

The body side moulding should be the same color as the car. Similar to this.

Canesguy

What doses the dealer want to install the side moldings?

Charlieday

I bought a 2013 ES350 with the side molding. It is a perfect color match (no chrome) and looks very nice. It will help prevent a lot of parking lot dings from inconsiderate people.

jbm79

When I got my car, I told the dealer that I wanted the OEM side molding, so it became part of the deal. I still try to park next to "high-end" cars vs. old and beat-up vehicles. But if I have no other choice, the side molding gives me a bit more peace of mind. (For those who say that side moldings does not help with door dings...from personal experience, it does help a lot! I had a 2003 vehicle with side molding that looked newer than a 2008 vehicle with no side moldings. That 2008 had dings and paint ruboff from the other cars; it's so disgusting how careless and inconsiderate other people can be.)

Also, because very, very few 2013 ES's have the side molding (in fact, I haven't seen another ES in my area with the side molding), I get quite a few compliments on them and actually ask what model the car is. It is a personal choice, and I like mine for both aesthetics and protection purposes.

bc6152

I bought my 2013 w/o side moldings but after seeing some of the other guys' installation of them I went ahead and ordered a set for my car. They look beautiful, are functional, and also set your car apart from most that do not have the moldings. I have a Satin Cashmere and the moldings match perfectly. I ordered from Sewell for $99.00 and put them on during last summer.

I questioned my dealer about cost of installation and it was $200.00. Took me about 1 hour.
I also have the Toyota service bulletin for installation of the moldings. About 6 pages.
Although I have the side moldings, I still park carefully to avoid idiots that carelessly damage others' cars and leave. No dings on the doors or side moldings - yet...

Dave Mac

The side molding will be body color and doesn't stand out too much but I still don't like them. And they do most certainly proctect the car from door dings. They are pretty easily removed but If you decide to have them removed have the dealer do it for you before delivery just in case it doens't go well.

Dave Mac

mspearl95

I had mine installed at the dealer, and I think total p&l was around 300.

alpinefun

bc6 152: Do you still have that service bulletin? I am up to install side moldings myself and I will appreciate if you can share the instructions with us.
Thanks.

azn103

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/7803225-post17.html

alpinefun

^^^
Thanks azn!

bc6152

Thanks for sending that out for me AZN103. Saved me finding it in my PC files...

bc6152

Alpine: Thought I'd send a few tips since I successfully installed these myself last summer.
I used regular alcohol to clean the door surfaces before installation. Try not to touch any of the area where the strip will be affixed with your hands after cleaning with alcohol.

Measurements are critical. I used a black crayon to mark the front edge of the strip on the front door and you're given a measurement to place the rear so it doesn't interfere with open/close of both doors. I also used painter's tape (3M blue) for marking. Good Luck!

alpinefun

Thanks a lot for advices bc6152!
I am receiving the moldings from Park Place Lexus on e-bay and I will install them as soon as it gets warmer here in NJ. I will post pictures.

bc6152

I'll look for the photos in May...